Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 10: The renovated Uchila branch of Mahalakshmi Cooperative Bank Ltd and a new ATM centre was inaugurated on Saturday, January 9.
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the branch office by cutting the ribbon, while ATM centre was inaugurated by the president of South Canara District Central Cooperative Bank (SCDCC) Dr M N Rajendra Kumar, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Dayanand Kathalsar unveiled the Tulu name board of the cooperative bank.
A formal stage function ceremony was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Nadoja Dr G Shankar, proprietor of G Shankar Family Trust, Ambalpady along with other chief guests of the occasion.
Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary addressing the gathering said, "Cooperative banks are into existence to solve the problems of fishermen community and Mahalakshmi Cooperative Bank is one among the most successful cooperative banks when it comes to performing at the same standards of nationalised banks."
"Fishermen will soon get access to technical products under the Atma Nirbhar Bharath scheme as the fisheries sector will come under that scheme soon. The Government of India has decided to organize a two-day exhibition of country-made products which are used in fishing activity. There is no compromise in quality. Further, the items will be cost-effective as well."
He was shedding light on the long-awaited construction of Hejmady harbour. Speaking on the matter Kota said, "A project of Rs 181 crore has been completed and foundation laying ceremony is expected to be held by the end of this month."
MP Shobha Karandlaje said, "We stepped into 2020 with new expectations, but unfortunately the pandemic proved disastrous. The entire economic system collapsed, export-import activities, tax collection came to halt due to lockdown. There is a need to improve our economy for the better."
"Mahalakshmi Cooperative Bank is the pride of coastal Karnataka. It is serving the people by taking one step ahead when compared to nationalised banks. The provision of dividend has not stopped but it is withheld for a temporary period. This year people will receive the dividend of two years together. There is no need to panic. It has been withheld just so that sufficient balance has been maintained in the bank. Prime Minister Modi is planning to do an Indianisation of all sectors. A bank should be people-friendly in service and local banks have been involved in providing such form of service to their clients for many years."
In his inaugural address, Dr G Shankar urged the Reserve Bank of India director Satish Kashinath Marathe to not stop dividend shares of stakeholders. Scheduled and nationalised banks are enjoying all benefits of government. The banks incur a loss, unlike cooperative societies. Let us support small sector banks also," he wished.
Dr Rajendra Kumar, president, SCDCC Mangaluru urged the director of RBI to not impose income tax on cooperative banks. "These banks have not begged anyone and the investors of these banks are not financially sound. If the concerned department liberalised the regulations for local banks, people will get better service. Let us try to simplify the legal norms."
Another name for the cooperative bank is nothing but service, said Rajendra Kumar.
Yashpal A Suvarna, president of Mahalakshmi Cooperative Bank presented the progress report and plans. He further said, "We plan to expand this branch to Uttara Kannada and Bengaluru as well. There are eight branches across coastal Karnataka."
Dinakar Babu, president, zilla panchayat Udupi, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, zilla panchayat Udupi, Jaya C Kotian, president, Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Uchila, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, president, Coastal Development Authority Mangaluru, Arun Kumar, deputy manager of the bank, Suresh Shetty Gurme, businessman and social worker, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president, District Cooperative Union, Kuilady Suresh Naik, businessman and district BJP president, Anand P Suvarna, businessman Malpe, Chidananda Shetty, cluster head, HDFC bank, Mangaluru, Shashikanth Padubidri, zilla panchayat member Padubidri, Shilpa G Suvarna, zilla panchayat member Yellur Raghavendra Upadhyaya, chief priest at Sri Mahalakshmi temple Uchila and others were present.
Achievers in various fields were felicitated on the same occasion: Anil Kumar, president, Kaup town municipality, Shashiprabha Shetty, president, Kaup Taluk panchayat, Sudhama Shetty, presidential of the planning authority, Venkata Narasimha Upadhyaya, senior priest, Sri Mahalakshmi temple.
Cheques were handed over to the beneficiaries and to the students, who achieved academic excellence.
Yashpal A Suvarna welcomed the guests, whereas G K Sheena, general manager proposed the vote of thanks. Satish Shetty Chitrapady and Vijetha Shetty compered the programme